The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Prey (2017) is the strongest all-around pick if you want a science-fiction mystery, an eerie setting to explore, and freedom to shape how you play. Choose Dishonored 2 for mission choices that affect the story, System Shock (the remake) for a hostile sci-fi atmosphere, SOMA for underwater philosophical horror, or Deathloop for inventive problem-solving across repeat attempts. None is a one-for-one substitute: they differ in how much they emphasize combat, stealth, story, and consequences.
A useful way to choose is to decide which part of BioShock you want more of. For the broadest mix of exploration and flexible play, start with Prey. For the clearest stated story response to decisions, choose Dishonored 2. For a threatening science-fiction environment, try the System Shock remake; for underwater dread without fighting back, pick SOMA; and for learning through repeated attempts, go with Deathloop. These are different kinds of matches, not five versions of the same game.
At a glance
| Name | Best for | Key distinction | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prey (2017) | All-around story, atmosphere, and flexible play | Exploration, powers, and multiple ways to handle obstacles on Talos I | Nov 2026 |
| Dishonored 2 | Responsive mission choices | Choose Emily or Corvo; approach missions stealthily, violently, or both | Nov 2026 |
| System Shock (remake) | Hostile sci-fi atmosphere | Updated remake of the 1994 original, rather than the Enhanced Edition | Nov 2026 |
| SOMA | Underwater philosophical horror | Story and dread take priority; there is no fighting back | Nov 2026 |
| Deathloop | Repeatable, creative problem-solving | Knowledge and opportunities accumulate across repeated attempts | Nov 2026 |
Which game like BioShock should you play first?
Start with Prey if you want the broadest overlap with BioShock: a science-fiction mystery, a memorable place to explore, unusual abilities, and room to decide how to meet challenges. Its approachability as a recommendation comes from the combination of those elements, not from a promise that its plot branches in the same way as BioShock.
If your priority is a story that responds to your decisions, move Dishonored 2 to the top. For an oppressive science-fiction setting, consider the System Shock remake. Pick SOMA for an underwater setting and questions about identity, with the important caveat that it does not offer fighting back. Choose Deathloop if you enjoy learning a place and its possibilities through repeated attempts.
Popular on Amazon
- 【90 Degree Full Function USB C Adapter】Supports the latest USB4 standard for up to 40Gbps of bandwidth, 8K video support, and up to 240W Fast charging; Support USB PD 3.1 Extended Power Range (EPR) including 140W, 180W and 240W. Your productivity is easily doubled. *Warm Tip: For the best fit, please make sure the USB-C port is fully exposed; thick or bulky cases may affect compatibility.
- 【Reliable Quality】Made from high-quality, scratch-resistant aluminum alloy, delicate metal frame. get excellent wear resistance and heat dissipation. Non-Slip Design for easier insertion and removal.
- 【Small and portable】Ultra thin size, ultra compact design, a petite physique that matches the minimalist design of your modern laptops. Coming with a slim figure that won't block the port next to the one it's plugged into.
- 【Compatibility】Widely work with most usb c, thunderbolt 4/3 devices. Compatibilit for ROG Ally, Steam Deck, Switch, MacBook Pro, Quest 3 VR headset, Surface Book 2, iPhone 18/17/16/15, Samsung Galaxy S23/S22/S21, Note 20/10, Google Pixel, ChromeBook, etc.
- 【Excellence Customer Support】If you experience any issues or cable failure, simply reach out to our dedicated customer service team. We provide a prompt response within 18 hours, providing you with the necessary technical support to resolve any concerns.
It helps to separate three meanings of “choice.” In Prey, the emphasis is on ways to play and ways to get through obstacles. In Dishonored 2, mission approach and decisions are explicitly tied to a story that responds. In Deathloop, the central choice is often tactical: use what you have learned to try another route or action on a new loop. SOMA offers difficult decisions in a horror story, but not combat. System Shock belongs on the list primarily for setting and atmosphere, not as the strongest supported branching-story recommendation.
There is no numerical ranking that captures all those differences. The best pick depends on whether you want to explore, steer how a mission unfolds, soak in a hostile setting, face philosophical horror, or iterate on a plan. If you want a new game rather than more BioShock, the collection is a separate catch-up option rather than an alternative recommendation.
Is Prey the closest game to BioShock?
Prey is the best all-around fit among these recommendations for someone looking for story, atmosphere, and flexible play in one science-fiction game. It is not an exact match for BioShock‘s shooting or narrative structure, so think of it as a strong overlap in priorities rather than a substitute that reproduces every feature.
What makes Talos I worth exploring?
Prey places Morgan Yu aboard Talos I, a space station at the center of a science-fiction mystery. Bethesda describes the station as explorable and the game as a choice-rich sci-fi thriller. Its creative director, Raphael Colantonio, said, “You craft your playstyle based on the choices that you make.” In context, that is about how players shape their playstyle; it should not be read as a guarantee that each choice creates a different plot branch.
That distinction matters if you are searching specifically for consequences in the story. The strongest documented case for Prey is that your choices can shape how you play and tackle the space station. The quote is a useful description of that freedom, not proof that every decision leads to a unique ending or a wholly separate narrative path. Think of the appeal as discovering your own approach within a setting that invites exploration.
How much freedom do you have?
The game’s appeal is the variety of ways to respond to obstacles. Bethesda’s account of the design describes interconnected routes, interactive systems, indirect tools, and optional environmental narration. That combination favors exploration and improvisation: you can look for another route or use the surroundings rather than assuming every problem has one prescribed solution.
Interconnected routes make the station more than a backdrop for the mystery: exploring can reveal other ways to move through its spaces. Interactive systems and indirect tools support problem-solving that is not limited to a single direct response. Optional environmental narration also means that curiosity can reward you with context, without requiring every detail to be delivered in a main-story scene. Those features help explain why Prey is a strong choice for players who want a world to inspect as well as a story to follow.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
That makes Prey a good fit when you want the setting itself to reward curiosity. If your main requirement is a publisher-confirmed story response to decisions, Dishonored 2 is the clearer choice; if you want underwater dread or philosophical horror, SOMA is more specific to that mood.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Is Dishonored 2 a good choice for player decisions?
Yes. Dishonored 2 is the clearest pick here for choosing how to approach missions and seeing the story respond to choices. The publisher identifies both Emily and Corvo as playable characters and describes approaches that include stealth, violence, or a mixture of the two.
What does the choice actually mean?
You decide who to play and how to handle missions. You can favor staying unseen, act violently, or combine those styles. The publisher says the story responds to choices, which makes the game a stronger match for readers specifically looking for responsive decisions than a title whose main appeal is atmosphere or repeated experimentation.
Keep that claim at the right scale: “the story responds” does not mean that every decision creates an entirely new campaign. The documented distinction is that choices and approach matter; the evidence does not establish a separate campaign for every possible combination.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe practical comparison with Prey is useful. Prey is the broader pick if you want to explore a science-fiction station and improvise through its systems. Dishonored 2 is the more direct answer if you are asking whether your way of handling missions is tied to the story. Playing Emily or Corvo is also a concrete starting choice, but it does not imply that every later action opens a completely different campaign.
Who should choose it over Prey?
Choose Dishonored 2 first if decisions and mission approach are more important to you than a science-fiction mystery. Choose Prey first if you want an explorable sci-fi setting and a flexible set of ways to solve problems. Both offer room to play differently, but their documented strengths are distinct: responsive story choices for Dishonored 2, and exploration and adaptable play for Prey.
Neither recommendation requires treating stealth and violence as an all-or-nothing identity. The publisher’s description allows for a mixture of approaches, so the useful question is which style you want to favor as you play. If the draw is a choice between characters and a range of ways to face missions, Dishonored 2 has a clear case. If what you want is the broader mystery of an explorable station, Prey remains the better match.
Is the System Shock remake like BioShock?
The System Shock remake is a good choice for hostile science-fiction atmosphere and for exploring a game lineage that predates BioShock. Nightdive describes the remake as updating the original 1994 game with revised visuals, controls, interface, and audio. This recommendation refers to that remake, not the original release or System Shock: Enhanced Edition.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhat kind of experience should you expect?
Think of System Shock as the pick for a threatening sci-fi environment, not the strongest choice on this list for branching story decisions. Its appeal here is the mood and setting, along with the chance to experience a remake of an influential earlier game. Nightdive highlights updated visuals, controls, interface, and audio, so the relevant version for this recommendation is the remake. The documented case for it is not that it is the most responsive narrative option.
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The 1994 date identifies the original game, not the remake’s release date. It is useful context for understanding why the title represents an earlier point in the lineage of immersive games, but it is not a reason to assume that the remake is identical to the original in presentation. Equally, do not confuse it with System Shock: Enhanced Edition: the recommendation here is specifically Nightdive’s remake.
If the story responding to decisions is your main criterion, Dishonored 2 is better supported. If you want the broader mix of mystery, exploration, and flexible play, begin with Prey. The remake is for readers whose first priority is a hostile sci-fi atmosphere.
For a visual companion, Nightdive also identifies The Art of System Shock, a full-color hardcover available on Amazon. It is an art book, not the game, so check that the listing and edition match what you want before buying. Nightdive also links the game to Steam, GOG, and Humble Bundle; those links are storefront paths, not a guarantee of current stock, price, or any particular offer.
Is SOMA a good underwater game like BioShock?
SOMA is the closest pick here for an underwater setting paired with philosophical horror. It takes place in a troubled underwater facility, where the story explores identity and consciousness through documents to uncover and difficult decisions. Its major difference from BioShock is decisive: the developer says there is no fighting back.
Should you expect combat?
No. Choose SOMA for story, unease, and the questions its setting raises, not for BioShock-style gunplay. Its underwater atmosphere makes it a natural option for someone seeking that particular vibe, but the lack of fighting back changes the kind of tension the game offers.
That makes it a different kind of recommendation from an action-focused science-fiction game. The underwater facility and its troubled atmosphere provide the setting for the story’s questions about identity and consciousness. Documents to uncover offer another way to learn about that world, while difficult decisions contribute to the narrative focus. Those qualities make SOMA an especially specific answer to “underwater games like BioShock,” as long as you are not expecting the same kind of armed conflict.
If you want direct conflict or a greater emphasis on flexible problem-solving, this list’s other picks are a better fit. If your interest is what a dangerous underwater setting can do for a horror story, SOMA is the focused recommendation.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What makes Deathloop different from BioShock?
Deathloop is built around experimentation across repeated attempts. On Blackreef, each loop gives you clues, routes, and opportunities to decide whether to sneak or attack. The structure rewards learning: information gained on one attempt can help you make a different plan on another.
Also popular on Amazon
- Portable and powerful USB-C HUB: BENFEI USB Type-C HUB, with super-soft and knot-free silicone woven design cable, meets most mobile office needs. Compact, lightweight, stylish, and powerful portable USB C Hub equipped with 1 x HDMI port, 1 x 100W charging, and 3 x USB ports. 18-month warranty, 24-hour response, to ensure you feel at ease when using our product.
- Design centered on comfort and reliability: Thanks to BENFEI's end-to-end in-house cable production capability, in-house PCBA and assembly capability, using the industry's most advanced silicone woven design and process, 20cm cable in length, no knots, super-soft, the HUB is easy to use in all scenarios: laptop, tablet, stand etc. Super-soft, 25000+ life cycles, to meet your daily carrying and office needs.
- 100W Charging: Support up to 90W USB C pass-through charging via Type-C port to keep your laptop powered. 10W is reserved for other interface operations. No data and video function on the Type-C port.
- 4K HDMI Display: The HDMI port supports media display at resolutions up to 4K 30Hz, keeping every incredible moment detailed and ultra vivid. Please note that the C port of the Host device needs to support video output.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Transfer files and from your laptop at speeds up to 10 Gbps with USB A 3.2 port. Extra 2 USB A 2.0 ports are perfectly for your keyboards and mouse.
Is it a conventional branching campaign?
Not in the sense established for Dishonored 2. Deathloop‘s defining appeal is iterating on your understanding of the place and its possibilities, rather than a documented promise that each choice creates a distinct campaign. That makes it a good pick for players who like revisiting a problem with new knowledge, but a less direct fit if you want a conventional BioShock-style narrative journey.
Its repeated-attempt structure changes how choice feels. Rather than treating every decision as a separate plot branch, think of a loop as a chance to use what you have learned: clues can inform a new plan, routes can be reconsidered, and the choice between sneaking and attacking remains part of the experimentation. If that cycle of observation and adjustment sounds enjoyable, Deathloop offers a distinctive match for the creative problem-solving side of the request.
The game also has an optional multiplayer element. Its presence does not make multiplayer a requirement for the core recommendation here, which is its loop-based experimentation and choice of routes or tactics. Its multiplayer is also not a reason to assume that it must be played with another person to value the repeat-attempt structure.
Recommended Free Tools
Arkane has confirmed that Deathloop shares a fictional world with Dishonored. That is a connection between the settings, not evidence that the games have identical stories or play structures. If you are choosing between them, go to Deathloop for repeatable experimentation and Dishonored 2 for the clearer documented emphasis on responsive mission choices.
Is BioShock: The Collection a game like BioShock?
BioShock: The Collection is a catch-up option, not a different game like BioShock. Sony describes it as containing the single-player content and add-ons from the three BioShock games, making it relevant if you want to revisit the series or play content you missed rather than branch out to a new setting.
Sony’s PS4 listing notes that features may differ when the collection is played on PS5. Check the listing for the version and console you plan to use before buying; that notice is a reason not to assume that every feature is identical between versions. The listing description does not establish a current price or guarantee that a particular edition is in stock, so confirm those details with the retailer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How were these games selected?
The picks are ranked by how well their documented strengths meet the three parts of the request: story, atmosphere, and player choice. That does not make them interchangeable or imply that each one excels equally at all three.
- Best overall fit: Prey, for its combination of sci-fi mystery, station exploration, powers, and flexible play.
- Most explicit responsive-choice fit: Dishonored 2, for its playable characters, varied mission approaches, and publisher-described story response.
- Atmospheric immersive-game lineage: the System Shock remake, for its hostile sci-fi setting and updated remake of the 1994 original.
- Underwater philosophical horror: SOMA, with the caveat that it has no fighting back.
- Iterative problem-solving: Deathloop, for the clues, routes, and tactical opportunities that build across repeated attempts.
The order reflects those distinct matches to the title, not a numerical score or a claim that one game is best for every player. No comparative statistics or player survey are used to assign a measured ranking. The recommendation labels are editorial shortcuts for the strengths described: they help you decide what to play based on your own priorities.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Read before You Buy】 Note: This adapter is USB 2.0 version and cannot transmit HDM, VGA, or other video signals. Nevertheless, they are fully capable of charging devices,duplicating files, and can be seamlessly integrated with USB-C earphones, wireless network adapters, and SD card adapters.
- 【Easy to Use and Safe】Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, we've made these adapters sufficiently compact so that they can remain inserted in your device without noticeable protrusion or inconvenience. This means you don't have to constantly plug and unplug them, reducing the likelihood of wear and misalignment, and making them more convenient to carry around.
- 【Reliable Quality】Engineered for enhanced durability, durable aluminum alloy shell material,get excellent wear resistance and heat dissipation,the male USB C and female USB connectors & the male USB and female USB C connectors are designed to be plugged and unplugged up to 20000 times. Provides data transfer, device charging, memory space expansion, and additional computer peripherals.
- 【Think more for you】Do you need to connect a USB-C-enabled device to an odd device that only has USB-A ports? Then these USB-A male to USB-C female adapters are made for you.Simply insert the adapter into the USB-A port on the device, and you can instantly connect your USB-C device to the device that originally didn't have the correct connection port.
- 【Trusted xiwxi Quality and Service】As a responsible brand seller, you will receive xiwxi's 12-month Quality assurance and lifetime friendly customer service, you're not just buying a product,you're investing in peace of mind with all-round quality and exceptional customer service.
There are also practical limits to a buying recommendation. No current retailer prices, stock status for boxed copies, or subscription inclusions are established here. Store pages can change, and platform features can differ, as Sony’s note about the PS4 collection on PS5 illustrates. Check the exact edition and platform listing you plan to use before purchase rather than relying on a general game title alone.
Which one should you pick?
For a single recommendation, Prey is the best starting point because it combines a science-fiction mystery with exploration, powers, and flexible approaches. If your definition of player choice specifically means the story responding to your decisions, choose Dishonored 2 instead. System Shock is the atmosphere-first option; SOMA is the underwater, philosophical horror choice if no combat is acceptable; and Deathloop suits players who like to learn and adjust across repeated attempts.
None promises every part of BioShock at once. Decide which element you most want next, then use the caveats—especially SOMA‘s lack of fighting back and the differences between story response and flexible play—to narrow the list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deathloop connected to Dishonored?
Arkane has confirmed that the two games share a fictional world. That connection does not make their structures the same: Deathloop centers on repeated attempts, while this article’s recommendation for explicit responsive mission choices is Dishonored 2.
Do I need to play the original System Shock before the remake?
The remake is of the 1994 System Shock, but the game descriptions do not establish a prerequisite or recommended play order. If continuity matters to you, check the remake’s current store listing for edition details before purchase.
Does BioShock: The Collection work the same on PS5 as on PS4?
Sony’s PS4 listing notes that some features may differ on PS5. Check the current PlayStation listing for the exact console and edition you intend to use rather than assuming the versions are identical.
Which game is best if I want choices to affect the story?
Dishonored 2 is the clearest recommendation here: its publisher says the story responds to choices, and it lets you choose Emily or Corvo and approach missions stealthily, violently, or with a mix. That does not mean every choice creates an entirely separate campaign.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Which game has an underwater atmosphere without BioShock-style combat?
SOMA is the underwater philosophical-horror pick. Its developer says there is no fighting back, so choose it for its story, dread, and questions about identity and consciousness rather than for gunplay.
Is Deathloop multiplayer required?
The multiplayer element is optional. The recommendation here is based on its loop-based experimentation, clues, routes, and opportunities to sneak or attack; do not assume the multiplayer feature is required to engage with that core appeal.
Is The Art of System Shock the game?
No. Nightdive identifies The Art of System Shock as a full-color hardcover art book available on Amazon. Check the exact listing and edition before buying; the book is separate from the game.
The Bottom Line
Prey is the best all-around place to start for a science-fiction mystery, exploration, and flexible play. Choose Dishonored 2 when responsive story choices matter most, System Shock for hostile sci-fi atmosphere, SOMA for underwater philosophical horror without fighting back, or Deathloop for learning and experimenting across repeated attempts. Each captures a different part of the BioShock appeal, and none is a one-for-one replacement.
